ZipStix Instructions

Elevated Cube — a cube with a pyramid attached to every face for rigidity

Pieces required: 36 ZipStix and 14 zipties.

1. Make six assemblies that consist of four ZipStix linked at one end.

2. Take three of the assemblies, and link one loose end from each with three unused ZipStix. Make sure to alternate assemblies and the unused singe ZipStix in terms of their order of placement on the ziptie linking them all.

3. Take the other end of one of the new ZipStix added in step 2, and link it with the next free end of the two closest assemblies, 2 new unused ZipStix, and one new assembly. Again, make sure to alternate assemblies and single ZipStix in the order they go onto the ziptie. All of the remaining junctions will have that characteristic, of alternating assemblies and single ZipStix. At this point, you’ve made two such junctions, and there are six more to go; the eight junctions will lie at the corners of a cube in the end.

4. So choose any free end of a ZipStik which is not in one of the assemblies made in step 1. Link that free end with the next free end of the two closest assemblies, 2 new unused ZipStix, and one free end from a new assembly. Remember to alternate assemblies and single ZipStix.

5. At this point there should be a unique assembly which is connected at three of its four ends. Find its only free end, and link it to its two nearest free ends of single ZipStix that have been added, the next free end of the other two closest assemblies, and one new unused ZipStik. Remember to alternate. The assembly you started this step with should now be closed up to form a square pyramid, with one assembly hanging off of each edge of its base, and one single ZipStik hanging off of each corner. You should have four unused ZipStix.

6. From here on, you will be gradually creating more square pyramids. As you do, take care that each of the pyramids is pointing out away from the center of the cube that is also starting to form.

7. Choose any free end of a single ZipStik and link it with the next free end of the two closest assembly, two new unused ZipStik, and one free end from a new assembly. (Alternate.)

8. Choose a free end of a single ZipStik you just added in the previous step, and link it to the nearest single ZipStik hanging down from the pyramid completed in step 5, and the next free end of the three nearest assemblies, and one new unused ZipStik. (Alternate.)

9. Take the free end of the ZipStik you just added in the previous step, and link it to the nearest single ZipStik hanging down from the pyramid completed in step 5, and the next free end of the three nearest assemblies, and the last unused ZipStik. (Alternate.)

10. Finally, take all of the remaining free ends and link them. There should be three from assemblies and three from single ZipStix. Alternate them on your final ziptie, taking care that all of the pyramids you are forming point out from the cube.

11. If all looks well with your structure, pull all the zipties tight.